EP3731693A1

EP3731693A1 - Hairstyling appliance having improved kinematics

Info

Publication number: EP3731693A1
Application number: EP18830889.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicolas Lauchet; Valentin JAVELLE
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2017-12-29
Filing date: 2018-12-28
Publication date: 2020-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-28
Also published as: FR3076189B1; CN210227228U; CN109984445A; WO2019129875A1; CN109984445B; FR3076189A1; EP3731693B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairstyling appliance (1) designed to be held and manipulated by hand and comprising at least one main body (2) that incorporates a clamping device (3) that changes between an introduction configuration and a configuration clamping a lock of hair, and also comprising a return member (6) for returning said clamping device (3) into the clamping configuration, said clamping device (3) for its part comprising at least one first jaw (4) mounted so as to be movable relative to said main body (2) between at least one open position and a closed position, said appliance (1) being characterized in that said first jaw (4) is designed to be moved between said open and closed positions while remaining parallel to itself.

Description

IMPROVED CINEMATIC STAPLING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to the general technical field of styling or hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, and more specifically to portable electric styling appliances intended to ensure shaping of the hair, and in particular a smoothing thereof.

The present invention more particularly relates to a styling apparatus designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising at least one main body which embeds on the one hand a clamping device moving between an introduction configuration and a wick tightening configuration. of hair, and secondly a return member of said clamping device in the clamping configuration, said clamping device itself comprising at least a first jaw movably mounted relative to said main body between at least one open position and a closed position .

Electric straighteners are well known. They are generally in the form of a V-shaped clip, generally shaped "sugar tongs", whose jaws are made of hot plates. These known straightening irons allow the user to come to exercise by means of the clamp in question a local pressure on a lock of hair while heating the latter, which allows, when the user moves the clamp along said wick hair, smooth the latter.

These known devices, if they give overall satisfaction, nonetheless presents some disadvantages.

In the first place, these known devices do not make it possible to guarantee obtaining a constant and repeatable result. Indeed, the pressure and the speed of displacement imparted manually by the user can vary from one lock to another. In addition, within the same strand of hair some hair can be subjected to higher pressure and temperature than others. Ultimately, the smoothing result obtained with these known devices varies in practice very significantly depending on how the user uses the device (pressure exerted, positioning of the wick in the device, speed of movement of the device). device relative to the wick ...), it being understood that the user himself is not necessarily aware of the parameters that may affect the final result.

This variability of results is accompanied by a risk of discomfort: it is indeed common, with known devices, that some hair is pulled instead of just being smoothed, which makes the use of these devices known sometimes uncomfortable, even painful.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various disadvantages enumerated above and to propose a new styling apparatus which makes it possible to improve the quality and the reproducibility of the obtained shaping result, as well as the comfort and security of use.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device of particularly simple and compact construction.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device whose design promotes the application of a uniform pressure on the hair to be combed.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new hair styling device that is particularly robust and reliable.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling apparatus which makes it possible to obtain a particularly effective smoothing under comfortable operating conditions.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device of ergonomic design and particularly intuitive use. The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a styling apparatus designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising at least one main body which embeds on the one hand a clamping device moving between a configuration of introduction and a tightening configuration of lock of hair, and secondly a return member of said clamping device in the clamping configuration, said clamping device itself comprising at least a first jaw movably mounted relative to said main body between at least one open position and one closed position, said apparatus being characterized in that said first jaw is adapted to move between said open and closed positions while remaining parallel to itself. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and will appear in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given purely by way of illustration and not limitation, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a styling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention and the clamping device is in the clamping configuration, said styling apparatus constituting in this case a iron to smooth automatically.

- Figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic cutaway view, the apparatus of Figure 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in a diagrammatic view in axial section, the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3, this time with the device of FIG. tightening in the introduction configuration.

- Figure 5 illustrates, in a schematic axial sectional view, the apparatus of Figure 4.

- Figure 6 illustrates, in a schematic axial sectional view, the apparatus of the preceding figures with its clamping device in an intermediate configuration that it adopts when moving from its clamping configuration to its introduction configuration. - Figure 7 illustrates, in a schematic cross-sectional view, the apparatus of the preceding figures with its clamping device in the clamping configuration.

- Figure 8 illustrates, in a schematic cross-sectional view, the apparatus of the preceding figures with its clamping device in the introduction configuration.

- Figure 9 illustrates, in a schematic axial sectional view, a styling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention with its tightening device clamping configuration.

- Figure 10 schematically illustrates an apparatus according to the invention in use.

The styling apparatus 1 according to the invention is designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand. It is therefore a portable and manual device, preferably intended for use in a home environment by a user who does not have professional skills in styling or hairdressing, that is to say in the form of hair, and in particular hair straightening.

Preferably, and in accordance with the various embodiments illustrated in the figures, the styling apparatus 1 forms a straightening iron which allows a user to smooth his hair, preferably by providing heat and pressure. Preferably and as illustrated, the apparatus 1 forms an automatic straightener, that is to say that the apparatus 1 is designed to limit the active intervention of the user, who has no technical gestures , specific, to perform, such as gestures and operations that could perform a hairdresser to achieve a similar result. The automatic character of the apparatus 1 allows in particular the apparatus 1 to ensure by itself the relative movement of the lock of hair to be combed and the apparatus 1. Preferably, the apparatus 1 is designed to be substantially fixed (relative to the head of the user) while setting in motion the lock of hair.

The invention is however not limited to this specific embodiment and it is for example quite possible that the styling apparatus 1 forms a curling iron, an embossing iron, or any other shaping apparatus hair, automatic or no. For the sake of brevity, the description which follows will nevertheless be centered exclusively on a styling apparatus 1 providing a smoothing function.

The apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises, as illustrated in the figures, at least one main body 2, which advantageously comprises itself a housing, made for example of injected plastic material. The main body 2 may be in the form of a monolithic piece (as illustrated in the figures) or alternatively in the form of an assembly of possibly moving parts relative to each other (variant not shown). The apparatus 1 advantageously comprises a handle 2A intended to be manually gripped to manipulate the apparatus 1. The handle 2A is advantageously formed by the rear part 200 of the aforementioned housing and extends for example itself backwards by a cord power supply (not shown), and forwards by an active portion 201 for receiving strands of hair C to shape (in this case smooth).

More specifically, the main body 2 carries a clamping device 3 moving between a hair lock introduction configuration C (see Figures 4, 5, 8 and 9) and a hair lock configuration C (cf. Figures 1 to 3 and 7). The introduction configuration advantageously corresponds to an opening configuration of the apparatus 1, in which the apparatus 1 can not exert substantially any tightening on the lock of hair C to be combed, or at the very least can only exert less tightening than that exerted in clamping configuration. It is even conceivable that in the introduction configuration all or part of the lock of hair C does not come into contact with the clamping device 3. The introduction configuration advantageously allows the user to introduce, in a manner easy, at least one lock of hair C in the clamping device 3. It is therefore an opening configuration for the positioning of one or more locks of hair C in the clamping device 3. In configuration of tightening, the clamping device 3 exerts a tightening on the hair or locks of hair C concerned, that is to say that the clamping device 3 exerts, when in clamping configuration, a local pressure on the or the locks of hair C accommodated in the clamping device 3. For this purpose, the clamping device 3 itself comprises the less a first jaw 4 mounted movably relative to the main body 2 between at least one open position (Figures 4, 5, 8 and 9) and a closed position (Figures 1 to 3 and 7). Preferably, said open and closed positions respectively correspond to said insertion configuration and to said clamping configuration.

Preferably, the open and closed positions of the first jaw 4 are abutment positions which define the total stroke of the first jaw 4. However, it is quite possible without departing from the scope of the invention, that the open position of the first jaw 4 does not necessarily correspond to the introduction configuration, and in particular does not form a terminal stop position. In this case (not illustrated) the first jaw 4 is able to continue its stroke beyond said open position, for example to a maximum open position which corresponds for example to the introduction configuration. The open position therefore forms in this variant an intermediate position between the closed position and the maximum open position. In this case it is conceivable that the first jaw moves parallel to itself between its open and closed positions, but moves in a different movement (for example a pivoting movement with a change of orientation and attitude) between its open position and its maximum open position. The first jaw 4 can thus initially pivot (pure rotation) from the maximum open position towards the closed position, then, when approaching the closed position, move parallel to itself (for example with a circular translation) to its closed position. In particular and advantageously, the first jaw 4 can move in parallel

to itself at least in the vicinity of the lock of hair C, for example over at least about 20% of the total stroke of said first jaw 4 preceding the contact with the wick C.

The first jaw 4 is disposed substantially facing a complementary support element with which it is intended to cooperate to release or enclose a lock of hair C, as it is in the open position or in the closed position. The complementary support element in question may be fixedly mounted relative to the main body 2, or conversely be mounted movably relative to the main body 2 (as shown), and be in this case for example in the form of a second jaw 5 which will be described in more detail below. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the main body 2 advantageously forms a fixed casing within which the moving parts of the clamping device 3 move.

As illustrated in the figures, the main body 2 also includes a member 6 for restoring the clamping device 3 in the clamping configuration. In other words, the return member 6 is designed to exert, directly or indirectly, a return force, preferably permanently, on the clamping device 3 to force the latter to remain in the clamping configuration. absence of user's request to the contrary. This means that at rest, the styling apparatus 1 is designed so that its clamping device 3 is by default in clamping configuration. In other words, the apparatus 1 adopts, in the absence of external stresses, a natural closed / tight configuration corresponding to the clamping configuration. Thanks to this characteristic, the pressure exerted locally by the clamping device 3 on the lock of hair C to be shaped does not depend on a manual effort exerted by the user, but only on the return member 6. The clamping device 3 thus makes it possible to apply to the lock of hair to shape a predetermined pressure, defined by the return member 6, independently of the user. As will become more apparent from the description which follows, the return member 6 may be in various forms, and for example exert an elastic restoring force, by means of a spring 6B or another elastic body, or a magnetic restoring force, by the joint implementation of a magnet 6A (permanent or electromagnet) and an element 10 made of ferromagnetic material cooperating with said magnet 6A. Whatever the embodiment chosen, the return force exerted by the return member 6 is thus predetermined by construction, and does not depend on the user. This makes it possible to obtain an optimal hair shaping result independent of the know-how and dexterity of the user. For example, the return member 6 is designed so that the clamping force exerted by the clamping device 3 in the clamping configuration is between substantially 10 and 50 N, and is preferably substantially equal to 30 N.

In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first jaw 4 is designed to move between its open and closed positions while remaining parallel to itself. In other words, when the first jaw 4 moves from its open position to its closed position it remains permanently parallel to itself, that is to say that its orientation relative to the main body 2 remains fixed and unchanged , only varying the position of the first jaw 4 relative to the main body 2 (that is to say the distance between the first jaw 4 of the main body 2). The attitude of the first jaw 4 thus remains advantageously unchanged when the first jaw 4 moves from its open position to its closed position, that is to say that the attitude / inclination of the first jaw 4 remains the same. whatever the position (open, closed, intermediate ...) of the first jaw 4. This means that when moving from its open position to its closed position (and / or vice versa), the first jaw 4 considered at a time T is always parallel to the first jaw 4 considered at a later time T + 1. Preferably, the main body 2 comprises a rectilinear portion 20A (allowing, for example, to place the appliance 1 stably on a table) and the first jaw 4 advantageously remains permanently parallel to this rectilinear portion 2A.

The first jaw 4 defines for example a pressure surface S1, intended to come locally in contact with the lock of hair C to be shaped, said pressure surface S1 being substantially parallel to a median mean plane P _M. The pressure surface S1 defined by the first jaw 4 is for example, in the context of a styling apparatus designed to smooth the hair, a substantially flat surface, as well as the opposite pressure surface S2 defined by the element d complementary support (eg second jaw 5) with which it is intended to cooperate to grip the wick C.

The pressure surface S1 defined by the first jaw 4 is thus permanently parallel to the median mean plane P _M when the first jaw 4 moves from its open position to its closed position and vice versa. In other words, the surface of pressure S1 defined by the first jaw 4 advantageously has a constant orientation relative to the main body 2. This feature allows to exert a particularly uniform and uniform force on the lock of hair C to be shaped, regardless of the positioning of the lock of hair On the contrary, the apparatuses of the prior art implement pivoting jaws articulated around a hinge (pivot connection), and which are therefore likely to exert a greater pinching force on the hair of the wick located as close to the hinge as on those located outside the wick farthest from the hinge. In addition, this displacement characteristic makes it possible to apply a uniform force regardless of the thickness of the lock of hair C since the point of contact between the lock C and the clamping device 3 is no longer, as This was the case in the known apparatuses of the prior art, depending on the distance between the wick C and the hinge (pivot point). The invention thus makes it possible to avoid this disadvantage and to promote the application of a uniform force, guaranteeing a repeatable result regardless of the positioning of the lock of hair to be shaped in the apparatus 1.

It thus turns out that the joint implementation of a device 6 for restoring the clamping device 3 in clamping configuration and a first jaw 4 designed to move between its open and closed positions while remaining permanently parallel to itself makes it possible to obtain not only an excellent result of shaping the hair (smoothing in this case), but also and above all a repeatable result and perfectly independent of the way the user manipulates the apparatus 1, this last applying a predetermined and uniform clamping pressure to the hair to be shaped. Indeed, thanks to the joint use of a return member 6 and the particular kinematics of the first jaw 4 (movement while remaining parallel to itself), the apparatus allows the application of a predetermined clamping force and perfectly adapted (that is to say chosen in advance by the designers of the device and independent of the user) and whatever the position of the wick C with respect to the clamping device but also what whatever the thickness of the wick. In other words, regardless of the level of experience of the user in styling, the apparatus object of the invention guarantees a styling operation to the optimal result and a high repeatability since the movement of the first jaws 4 and the return member 6 of the clamping device allow random positioning and wicking. In addition, the combination of the return member 6 and the kinematics of the first jaw 4 avoids any excessive pinching effort, thus limiting the risk of pain for the user (hair pulled or stuck).

The invention is of course not limited to the implementation of flat pressure surfaces S1, S2, and it is for example entirely possible that at least one of said pressure surfaces S1, S2 has, for example an uneven surface, corrugated (for example to make loops, waves or waves) or other, to obtain a shaping effect different from a smoothing effect. At least one of said pressure surfaces S1, S2 may also comprise one or more protuberances, such as teeth or spikes, for example. The pressure surfaces S1, S2 preferably have complementary, conjugate shapes (for example, one is convex and the other concave, or the surfaces S1, S2 have respective teeth arranged in a staggered configuration, or, as illustrated, both surfaces S1, S2 are substantially flat and flat).

Advantageously, the clamping device 3 is provided with a heating means for both tightening and heating the lock of hair C to be shaped. The heating means may for example be embedded in the first jaw 4 and / or in the complementary support element (formed for example by a second jaw 5), in order to heat the hair by conduction while pressing. In this case, the heating means advantageously comprises resistive heating elements, for example of the type CTP heating elements (positive temperature coefficient).

Preferably, each pressure surface S1, S2 is a heated heating surface regulated at a temperature of between 100 ° C and 200 ° C, for example regulated at about 170 ° C.

However, it is perfectly conceivable for the heating means to be external to the first jaw 4 as well as to the complementary support element (second jaw 5) and consist, for example, of a convective heating means implementing an air flow. directed towards the tightening area of the clamping device. styling 1 thus allows, while pressing the lock of hair to shape, to heat the latter to obtain a smoothing effect relatively effective and durable.

Advantageously, the first jaw 4 is mounted in a circular translation relative to the main body 2 between its open and closed positions (and vice versa). The first jaw 4 thus follows a plane movement where all its points follow trajectories which are each circles of the same rays but of different centers, so that the first jaw 4 maintains its constant orientation throughout its movement between its open positions. and closed. The use of such a circular translational movement makes it possible to implement a first jaw 4 which moves while remaining parallel to itself in a particularly simple, reliable and inexpensive manner, in particular by limiting the risks of inadvertent blocking and the cost associated with a rectilinear linear translation movement (sliding, sliding connection). If recourse to a circular translational movement is preferred for the reasons explained above, it is however not mandatory and the styling apparatus 1 may for example alternately implement a first jaw 4 mounted to rectilinear translation relative to the main body 2, for example by means of a slide connection, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The use of a first jaw 4 mounted in circular translation is also an invention as such, independent of the other features described herein. This independent invention can be defined more specifically as relating to a styling apparatus 1 designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising at least one main body 2 which carries a clamping device 3 moving between an introduction configuration and a hair tightening configuration C, said clamping device 3 itself comprising at least a first jaw 4 mounted to move relative to the main body 2 between at least one open position and a closed position respectively corresponding to said introduction configuration and said clamping configuration, said first jaw 4 being mounted in a circular translation relative to the main body 2 between its open and closed positions. This independent invention may or may not implement a return member of the clamping device 3 clamping configuration or introduction configuration. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the first jaw 4 is mounted in a circular translation relative to the main body 2 according to a deformable parallelogram assembly. In this advantageous embodiment, the first jaw 4 thus forms a first side of the parallelogram in question, whereas the main body 2 forms a second side of said parallelogram disposed opposite said first side, said first and second sides (ie that is to say said first jaw 4 and main body 2) being connected by articulated elements, preferably of the same length, forming the third and fourth sides of the deformable parallelogram. As illustrated, the main body 2 advantageously includes a first link 7 and a second link 8 which each extend between a respective first end 7A, 8A connected (by a hinge, preferably by a pivot connection) to said main body 2 and a respective second end 7B, 8B connected (by a hinge, preferably by a pivot connection) to said first jaw 4. Each of said first and second links 7, 8 is thus advantageously at least rotatably mounted relatively on the one hand to the main body 2 and on the other hand at the first jaw 4 according to respective rotational axes which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane in which the circular translation movement of the first jaw 4 is located. The implementation of such a parallelogram assembly deformable by means of the first and second links 7, 8 thus makes it possible to move the first jaw 4 relatively to the main body 2 between a deployed state (corresponding to the closed position) and a retracted state (corresponding to the open position).

Advantageously, the styling apparatus 1 also comprises a control means 9 mounted movably relative to the main body 2. The control means 9 is connected to the clamping device 3 and is manually operable to move said clamping device 3 of its configuration. (FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7) to its introduction configuration (FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9). The control means 9 is therefore designed to be moved manually by the user and is connected to the clamping device 3 by means of motion transformation means which make it possible to transform the movement of the control means 9 into movement of the first jaws 4 to bring the latter from its closed position to its open position. The control means 9 is for example movably mounted relative to the main body 2 between a first position (Figures 1 to 3 and 7) corresponding to the clamping configuration and a second position (Figures 4, 5, 8 and 9) corresponding to the introductory configuration. The control means 9 may for example be pivotally mounted (as shown) and / or in translation relative to the main body 2 between its first and second positions, which for example correspond respectively to an expanded state of the control means 9, in which the control means 9 protrudes from the main body 2 towards the outside of the latter, and to a retracted state of the control means 9 in which the latter disappears inside the main body 2, under the effect of example of a pressure exerted by the user. The control means 9 thus advantageously comprises at least a first push button 90 (or a trigger) pivotally mounted relative to the main body 2 according to a first pivot axis parallel to the pivot axes of the first and second links 7, 8.

In order to transform the movement of the control means 9 in motion of the first jaw 4, said first link 7 and control means 9 are provided with respective interengaging surfaces 700, 900 cooperating to transmit to said first link 7 a manual effort control means applied to the control means 9 to move said first jaw 4 from its closed position to its open position. The inter-engagement surface 900 provided with the control means 9 advantageously forms a cam, and preferably a pivoting cam, which comes to urge the complementary engagement surface 700 which is provided with the first link 7 to transform the rotational movement of the control means 9 (and in this case of the first push button 90) in rotational movement of the rod 7, rotational movement which causes the displacement in circular translation of the first jaw 4 from its closed position to its open position. Of course, the use of such a cam system by free mutual support inter-engagement surfaces 700, 900 is not mandatory, and it is for example quite possible, as an alternative, to implement a another force transmission system, based for example on the cooperation of gears, an additional rod or any other device (mechanical, electrical or other) suitable. Similarly, it is perfectly conceivable that the control means 9 come to solicit directly the first jaw 4 to move it from its closed position to its open position, rather than the first link 7. However, it is particularly advantageous to connect the control means 9 to the rod 7 to control the movement of the first jaw 4, because it allows to benefit from a force reduction effect that facilitates the achievement of the open position from the closed position. It is thus advantageously possible for the user to operate the control means 9 with a single finger, while maintaining the apparatus 1 with the rest of the same hand. The apparatus 1 thus allows, in its particularly advantageous form illustrated in the figures, a shaping of the hair (smoothing for example) using a single hand.

Advantageously, the return member 6 exerts a restoring force, making it possible to return the clamping device 3 in the clamping configuration to said first link 7. The fact that the return member 6 directly exerts its restoring force on the first rod 7 again allows to benefit from a force reduction effect which promotes a compact dimensioning of the body 6 of return. However, it is quite possible, in accordance for example with the alternative embodiment of FIG. 9, for the return member 6 to exert its restoring force not directly on the first link 7, but rather directly on the first jaw 4. , for example in the form of one or more spring (s) 6B or other elastic body (s) interposed (s) between the main body 2 and the first jaw 4 (Figure 9) to repel this last in closed position.

In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the return member 6 advantageously comprises at least one magnet 6A or a spring 6B. More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the return member 6 comprises at least a first magnet 6A attached to the first link 7, so that the latter embeds said first magnet 6A. To this end, the first link 7 is for example provided with a flap 71 which extends substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal direction (which passes through the first and second ends 7A, 7B) of the first link 7, said flap 71 advantageously forming the engagement surface 700 and delimiting a housing which accommodates a permanent magnet forming said first magnet 6A. In this case, the styling apparatus 1 comprises at minus a plate 10 of ferromagnetic material fixed (for example by gluing) to the main body 2, so that a magnetic attraction force is permanently established between the magnet 6A and the plate 10. This magnetic attraction force forms the restoring force exerted by the return member 6.

In clamping configuration, the flap 71 which embeds the magnet 6A is pressed against the plate 10, under the effect of the magnetic attraction force, and is maintained in this position permanently. When the user exerts pressure on the inside of the casing forming the main body 2 on the push-button 90, the inter-engagement surface 900 carried by the push-button 90 in question will push, by camming, the flap 71 against the restoring force, thus pivoting the rod 7 to bring the first jaw 4 from its closed position to its open position. It is of course perfectly conceivable that in place of a magnet / ferromagnetic plate system, another return system (spring, electric actuator, electromagnet, etc.) is implemented without, for all that, going out of framework of the invention.

Advantageously, the first position that can be adopted by the control means 9 is a return position, that is to say that in the absence of positive manual control of the user on the control means 9 the latter is naturally maintained in its first position, which corresponds to the clamping configuration, and which is advantageously an extended position as illustrated. In this advantageous embodiment, the respective interengaging surfaces 700, 900 preferably cooperate also to transmit to the control means 9 the restoring force exerted by the return member 6 on the first link 7, in order to recall thus the control means 9 in its first position. In this advantageous case, the cooperation of the respective interengaging surfaces 700, 900 is thus reciprocal, since it not only makes it possible to transmit to the first link 7 the manual control force applied to the control means 9 to passing the first jaw 4 from its formed position to its open position, but also to transmit to the control means 9 the restoring force exerted by the return member 6 on the first link 7 to recall the control means 9 in its first position. This design is particularly advantageous because it provides a device that is particularly reliable and robust, also has a compact and economical.

As mentioned previously and in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the clamping device 3 advantageously comprises a second jaw 5 arranged facing the first jaw 4 so that in the clamping configuration, said first and second jaws 4, 5 are close enough to each other to enclose between them a lock of hair C to be combed, while in the introduction configuration they are sufficiently distant from each other to release said lock of hair C. second jaw 5 can be fixedly mounted relative to the main body 2, but is preferably mounted movably relative to said main body 2 between an open position and a closed position respectively corresponding to the clamping configuration and the insertion configuration of the clamping device 3 .

Advantageously, the second jaw 5 is also mounted in circular translation relative to the main body 2 between its open and closed positions. This circular translational assembly is advantageously obtained by means of a deformable parallelogram-type assembly, preferably similar to that described previously with regard to the first jaw 4. In this preferred embodiment, the main body 2 embeds a third and a fourth link 11, 12 which each extend between a respective first end 11A, 12A, connected to the main body 2 and a respective second end 11B, 12B connected to the second jaw 5. The third link 11 and the first link 7 are substantially identical, or at least symmetrical, while the second rod 8 and fourth rod 12 are also substantially identical, or at least symmetrical. The third link 11 also preferably includes a magnet 60A intended to cooperate with a corresponding sheet 100, to return the second jaw 5 in the closed position. The control means 9 advantageously comprises in this case a second push button 91 identical to the first push button 90 and arranged symmetrically to the latter relative to the median middle plane P _M as illustrated. The styling apparatus 1 thus advantageously has a symmetrical construction relative to a median plane of symmetry P _M which corresponds, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, to the contact plane of the first and second jaws 4, 5 in their positions. respectively closed, said median plane P _M being advantageously parallel to the axes of rotation of the first, second, third and fourth rods 7, 8, 11, 12.

Preferably, the first and second jaws 4, 5 are designed to move simultaneously in respective circular translation movements in opposite directions. This means that during the passage of the clamping device 3 from its clamping configuration to its introduction configuration, the first and second jaws 4, 5 move away simultaneously, and in respective symmetrical movements, one of the other up to their respective open positions corresponding to a maximum spacing between said first and second jaws 4, 5. The first and second jaws 4, 5 thus move advantageously in phase, preferably remaining continuously parallel to each other. the other, so that when they are each in its respective closed position, the clamping device 3 then occupies its clamping configuration. In order to implement this simultaneous and synchronized movement of the first and second jaws 4, 5, the control means 9 is advantageously connected to both the first and second jaws 4, 5 to simultaneously drive them from their respective closed positions to their respective open positions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, the two push buttons 90, 91 are connected to each other by a transmission link 14 so that the actuation force exerted on one of the buttons pushers 90, 91 is reflected automatically on the other push button 91, 90 and vice versa.

In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first and second jaws 4, 5 are provided respectively with a first pad 14 and a second pad 15 intended to come into contact with the lock of hair C to be shaped, on both sides of it. Said pads 14, 15 therefore advantageously form respectively said pressure surfaces S1, S2. The pads 14, 15 in question are preferably flat, and advantageously made of a thermally conductive material, smooth, optionally covered with an enamel, a ceramic material, a glass layer, etc. Each pad 14, 15 advantageously has a generally rectangular shape, and advantageously forms a smoothing plate. It is however perfectly conceivable, as already mentioned in the foregoing, that at least one of said pads 14, 15 does not have a flat shape, depending on the effect of setting in form sought. For example, as previously discussed with respect to said pressure surfaces S1, S2, one and / or the other of said pads 14, 15 may have corrugations, protuberances (teeth, pins, etc.). Preferably, said pads 14, 15 are of complementary shape to each other, so for example that one can enter the other, or fit into the other, or press against the other (as illustrated) when advantageously, at least one of said first and second jaws 4, 5 comprises a heating pad 14, 15 intended to come into contact with the lock of hair to be clamped. Thus, at least one of said pads 14, 15, and optionally both pads 14, 15 directly contribute to pressing and heating the lock of hair to be shaped, which is interposed between the two pads 14, 15 and pressed by these last on both sides.

Advantageously, in order to accommodate and compensate for any variations in thickness within the lock of hair C to be tightened to shape it, at least one of said first and second jaws 4, 5 comprises on the one hand a frame 13 mounted movably relative to the main body 2 and secondly a pad 15 mounted floating relative to said frame 13, said pad 15 being intended to come into contact with the lock of hair C to be clamped. By "floating assembly" is meant here that the pad 15 is embedded on the frame 13 with a clearance allowing movement of the pad 15 relative to the frame 13, for example at least in the vertical direction perpendicular to the median mean plane P _M previously mentioned. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the frame 13 is for example part of the second jaw 5 and is thus connected to the main body 2 by the first and second links 11, 12, while the shoe 15 is attached to the frame 13 with a possibility of movement relative to the latter. The shoe 15 is for example slidably guided relative to the frame 13 by the cooperation of pins 15A integral with the pad 14 with conjugate lights 13A carried by the frame. A flexible element (for example an elastomer block or springs) is interposed between the shoe 15 and the frame 13 to push the shoe 14 inwards (ie towards the middle median plane P _M ). Thus, the pad 15 may come to match the profile of the lock of hair C to be shaped, which promotes the achievement of a satisfactory result by allowing a particularly uniform and uniform application of pressure on the hair lock C concerned. Advantageously, the styling apparatus 1 is an automatic apparatus designed to automatically scroll the lock of hair C to be capped within the clamping device 3. For this purpose, the main body 2 advantageously includes a friction drive means 16 wick of hair, designed to run a lock of hair C between said first and second jaws 4, 5 in closed positions, for example at a speed between 1 and 5 cm / s, preferably about 2 cm / s . The friction drive means 16 comprises for example a motorized roller 16A arranged laterally relative to the first and second jaws 4, 5, downstream of said first and second jaws 4, 5 relative to the direction of movement of the lock of hair C between the jaws 4, 5 closed. The main body 2 also advantageously carries a pressure roller 16B, which is mounted to rotate freely relative to the main body 2, and is intended to be pressed against the motorized roller 16A to press the lock of hair C to cap against it. The lock of hair C concerned is thus intended to be interposed between the two rollers 16A, 16B, and will adhere locally to the motorized roller 16A through the action of the pressure roller 16B, which allows to drive by friction the lock of hair C and slide it between the jaws 4, 5 closed which surround it locally upstream of the rollers 16A, 16B. Preferably, said first jaw 4 and second jaw 5 respectively embark said motorized rollers 16A and presser 16B, so that said rollers 16A, 16B advantageously remain permanently parallel to each other, so as to optimize the contact between the rollers 16A, 16B and thus the drive of the lock of hair C.

Advantageously, the main body 2 also carries a combing means 17 of said lock of hair C intended to be driven by the drive means 16, said combing means 17 being advantageously arranged upstream of the clamping device 3 relative to the direction the combing means 17 comprises for example a plurality of teeth or bristles arranged in rows or tufts, so as to form a comb or a brush. The combing means 17 advantageously makes it possible to divide the wick C to be shaped into a plurality of small elementary locks, and to distribute them well over the treatment surfaces formed by the shoes 14, 15. The combing means 17 thus allows that the wick C is well spread between the jaws 4, 5 for promote its shaping by the heating jaws 4, 5. Preferably, the combing means 17 also provides a tensioning function of the lock of hair C, in particular by opposing a local friction resistance to the movement of the lock of hair. hair C towards the drive means 16.

The invention thus makes it possible, in its preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures, to provide, in a simple, rapid, automatic and intuitive manner, an excellent styling result, independently of the user and his manner of using the apparatus 1.

The invention thus relates to a styling apparatus 1 which is preferably specifically intended to smooth the hair and whose closed position of the jaws 4, 5 corresponds to the natural configuration (rest configuration) of the apparatus 1. In this natural position resting, which corresponds to the tightening configuration of the clamping device 3, the jaws 4, 5, as well as the pads 14, 15 carried respectively by said jaws 4, 5 are parallel to each other, said pads 14, 15 being plated One against the other. In this natural resting configuration of the apparatus 1, the control means 9 is in its first position, which is advantageously an elastic return position, and the pressure roller 16B is pressed against the motorized roller 16A.

The exercise of a pressure on the control means 9, against the elastic restoring force which is exerted permanently on the latter, makes it possible to move the apparatus 1 from its stable configuration of rest to a unstable open configuration in which the apparatus 1 is maintained by manual action of the user on the control means 9 to force the latter to occupy its second position. During the transition from the natural rest configuration to the unstable open configuration, the jaws 4, 5, as well as the pads 14, 15 respectively carried by the latter, remain permanently parallel to each other on at least one terminal portion, and preferably on the whole, of their respective races. Once the apparatus 1 in open configuration, the pressure roller 16B is remote from the motorized roller 16A, while the clamping device 3 is in the introduction configuration. As soon as the user releases the manual effort he exerts on the control means 9, the apparatus 1 spontaneously returns to its natural rest configuration (closed configuration described above).

The operation and use of the apparatus 1 are for example the following.

The user first grasps a lock of hair C with one hand and grasps with his other hand the apparatus 1 while preparing to position it against his scalp, or at least close to it, so that the drive means 16 is disposed near the scalp while the combing means 17 is disposed opposite the drive means 16, further away from the scalp.

The user then actuates the control means 9 to thereby force the apparatus 1 to leave its normally closed configuration to reach its unstable open configuration. The user can then move the apparatus 1 to easily place the lock of hair C inside the apparatus 1, both between the motorized roller 16A and the pressing roller 16B on the one hand and between the first jaw 4 and the second jaw 5 on the other hand, as well as between the teeth of the combing device 17. Once the lock of hair C has been placed inside the device 1, the user releases the control means 9 so that the apparatus 1 is recalled in its normally closed configuration, in which the drive means 16 is then capable of driving the lock of hair C to be shaped. The wick C will then run at an appropriate speed in the combing device 17, then in the clamping device 3 which appropriately clamps the hair to smooth the wick C particularly durable, fast and automatic.

Claims

1 - styling apparatus (1) designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising at least one main body (2) which on the one hand embeds a clamping device (3) moving between an introduction configuration and a configuration for clamping a lock of hair, and on the other hand a member (6) for restoring said clamping device (3) in the clamping configuration, said clamping device (3) itself comprising at least one first jaw (4) movably mounted relative to said main body (2) between at least one open position and a closed position, said apparatus (1) characterized in that said first jaw (4) is adapted to move between said open and closed positions while remaining parallel to himself.

2 - styling device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said first jaw (4) is mounted in circular translation relative to the main body (2) between its open and closed positions.

3 - styling device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that said first jaw (4) is mounted in a circular translation relative to the main body

(2) according to a deformable parallelogram assembly.

4 - styling device (1) according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that said main body (2) embeds a first and a second link (7, 8) which each extend between a respective first end (7A, 8A ) connected to said main body (2) and a respective second end (7B, 8B) connected to said first jaw (4).

5 - styling device (1) according to claim 4 characterized in that said organ

(6) restoring a restoring force on said first rod (7).

6 - styling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises a control means (9) mounted movably relative to said main body (2), said control means (9) being connected to said clamping device (3) and manually operable to move the latter from its clamping configuration to its introduction configuration.

7 - styling device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that said control means (9) is movably mounted relative to said main body (2) between a first position corresponding to the clamping configuration and a second position corresponding to the introduction configuration, said first position being a return position.

8 - styling device (1) according to claims 4 and 6 characterized in that said first link (7) and control means (9) are provided with respective inter engagement surfaces (700, 900) cooperating to transmit to said first link (7) a manual control force (9) applied to the control means for passing said first jaw (4) from its closed position to its open position.

9 - styling device (1) according to claims 5, 7 and 8 characterized in that said respective inter-engagement surfaces (700, 900) also cooperate to transmit to said control means (9) the restoring force exerted by said return member (6) on said first link (7) to thereby return said control means (9) to its first position.

10 - styling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that said member (6) comprises at least one magnet (6A) or a spring (6B).

11 - styling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that said clamping device (3) comprises a second jaw (5) disposed opposite the first jaw (4) so that in the clamping configuration, said first and second jaws (4, 5) are sufficiently close to one another to enclose a lock of hair between them, whereas in the introduction configuration they are sufficiently distant one of the other to release said lock of hair.

12-styling device (1) according to claim 11 characterized in that said second jaw (5) is mounted movably relative to said main body (2) between a open position and a closed position respectively corresponding to said clamping configuration and said introduction configuration.

13-styling device (1) according to claim 12 characterized in that said second jaw (5) is mounted in circular translation relative to the main body (2) between its open and closed positions.

14-styling apparatus (1) according to claims 2 and 13 characterized in that said first and second jaws (4, 5) are designed to move simultaneously in respective circular translation movements in opposite directions.

15 - styling device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14 characterized in that said main body (2) embeds a friction drive means (16) lock of hair, designed to scroll a wick of hair between said first and second jaws (4, 5) in closed positions.

16 - styling device (1) according to claim 15 characterized in that said main body also embeds a combing means (17) of said lock of hair to be driven by said drive means, said combing means (17). ) being disposed upstream of the clamping device (3) relative to the direction of travel of said wick.

17 - styling device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 16 characterized in that at least one of said first and second jaws (4, 5) comprises firstly a chassis (13) mounted relatively movable the main body (2) and secondly a pad (15) mounted floating relative to said frame (13), said pad (15) being intended to come into contact with the lock of hair to be clamped.

18 - styling apparatus (1) according to claim 6 and one of claims 11 to

Characterized in that said control means (9) is connected to both the first and second jaws (4, 5) for simultaneously driving the latter from their respective closed positions to their respective open positions. Characterized in that said clamping device (3) is provided with a heating means for both tightening and heating a lock of hair.

20-styling device (1) according to claims 11 and 19 characterized in that at least one of said first and second jaws (4, 5) comprises a heating pad (14, 15) intended to come into contact with the lock of hair to tighten.

21 - styling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it forms a smoothing iron.